5 players who are absolutely untouchable at the 2025 trade deadline

As we head almost halfway into the midseason, the Padres are now teetering towards being buyers at the 2025 trade deadline. San Diego holds a 38-31 record entering Sunday, sitting three games back of first place in the NL West standings.

While the Friars are likely going to be buyers, sometimes a bigger-named player gets dealt in the mix of a winning trying to get even better. For the Padres, though they have five hitters who are essentially untouchable. Xander Bogaerts, Jake Cronenworth, Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill, and Fernando Tatis Jr. aren't going anywhere.

Xander Bogaerts

Bogaerts is off to a slow start in 2025, but that doesn't necessarily change the franchise's view on him. Their $280 million investment in him will extend the leash of trust, and his prior consistent campaigns suggest he will turn things around. Bogaerts is a core member of the Padres, whether some fans like it or not.

Jake Cronenworth

On a seven-year, $80 million deal, Cronenworth is the likely forgotten one among the core set of batters for the Padres. But make no mistake, Cronenworth is a beloved player in the Padres community. A lifetime Friar, Cronenworth holds a career 108 OPS+, and will ideally be a Padre forever.

Manny Machado

Manny Machado is a Hall of Famer. He also might be San Diego's best hitter since Tony Gwynn, and has a legitimate chance at going down as a Mount Rushmore Padre. Signed to an 11-year contract, he is the modern day loyal slugger who will be remembered as an all-time great. Hopefully, he'll be the centerpiece to a World Series title soon.

Jackson Merrill

In just his second MLB season, Jackson Merrill is proving himself to be a treasure on both sides of the ball. In no time, Merrill's name will be synonymous with the rest of the best and brightest outfielder right now, if it isn't already. He's had a couple of unfortunate run-ins with health problems, but his spot in the lineup will be there for as long as he wants to stay in San Diego.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

It can really go without saying that Fernando Tatis Jr. is the most important person in the building at Petco Park. The fans love him, but more importantly, they need him. He is a cornerstone of the franchise, and has been one of the best players in the game this season. An MVP bid is well in store for Tatis, who will be expected to lead this club to a deep postseason run.